When populism becomes fascism

Populism is defined by the dictionary as “a political philosophy supporting the rights and power of the people in their struggle against the privileged elite” and as “a political strategy based on a calculated appeal to the interests or prejudices of ordinary people.” Fascism is defined as “a system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, a capitalist economy subject to stringent governmental controls, violent suppression of the opposition, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism.” Based on the two definitions, while Donald Trump’s political ramblings and branding may seem like a populist movement, his rhetoric is moving more and more toward angry fascism, and if chosen to represent the Republican Party come next fall, we are looking at the end of the Grand Old Party.

Since Trump began his campaign, he has created a conspiracy-theory enemy mentality unlike any politician in recent American history. George Wallace aside, no one man has spewed more evil sweeping generalizations than Trump.

In June he said this about Mexico and the Mexican people:

“When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re not sending you. They’re not sending you. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”

His solution: Build a wall and kick out many and keep out the rest.

After he felt the media was against him, he threatened to boycott Fox News and even drop out of debates. He even has kicked out media personnel from Univision and Black Lives Matter people, while threatening to block other news sources from covering him.

His solution: Build a wall and kick out many and keep out the rest.

When looking at the Syrian refugees and the state of Islam today, Trump said:

“Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what is going on,” in his campaign’s press release.

Trump also has called for surveillance over mosques and looking into the lives of Muslims. He has essentially declared a race war in America through his political rhetoric. He has created another enemy, and once again his end game is the same.

His solution: Build a wall and kick out many and keep out the rest.

This “populist” language is no longer “cute” or “funny,” and not because of what Trump has said, but because so many are supporting him. At this point he’s untouchable — 68 percent of Republicans are agreeing with his stance on Muslims, and his poll numbers are getting further and further ahead of his fellow Republican candidates.

So far Chris Christie and Paul Ryan have come out against him, but sadly, all have agreed that they will support the eventual party nominee.

I don’t like playing Monday morning quarterback, but let’s go back to that first Fox News GOP debate when the candidates were asked if they’d support the eventual nominee, and Trump raised his hand in opposition. Imagine if the others had raised their hand as well. Imagine if Jeb Bush or Mike Huckabee had raised their hands and said they wouldn’t support Trump. Right now we might be looking at an entirely different race.

Instead we are watching the ugliness of blue-collar Americans trying to make sense of a crazy, ever changing world.

President Barack Obama gave the right response.

“But just as it is the responsibility of Muslims around the world to root out misguided ideas that lead to radicalization, it is the responsibility of all Americans — of every faith — to reject discrimination,” Obama said. “It is our responsibility to reject religious tests on who we admit into this country. It’s our responsibility to reject proposals that Muslim-Americans should somehow be treated differently.”

This is how bad Trump has been. He’s turned Obama into the pragmatic hero and turned the GOP into some type of racist monster.

Sadly, because the GOP has been so worried about Hillary Clinton during the past decade, they’ve allowed others to creep in, and the GOP is handing her the election every day.